Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The proposed new section 11D(9)(b), which amendment No. 38 seeks to delete and replace, provides for the decision by the planning authority to extend the duration of the existing development plan in connection with the need to take additional time to prepare a new development plan. If this provision were deleted, it would not be possible to extend the duration of the existing plan and thereby take the additional time necessary to prepare a new plan. The proposed replacement provision, as set out in amendment No. 38, requires instead a decision by the members on whether the existing development plan needs to be varied to accommodate only the essential changes required, consequent on mitigation identified and required by the appropriate assessment or by the strategic environmental assessment undertaken with different arrangements set out in respect of material and non-material variations. The provisions set out in this Bill on development plans do not involve the variation of the existing development plan which is provided for under section 13 of the 2000 Act. The section does not provide for additional time to be taken to prepare the new development plan or for the extension of an existing plan.